With the midpoint of the Mavericks League season here, the Keizertimes sports desk sat down and pored over the first-half performances.
After hours of statistical analysis and eye tests, here are the Keizertimes’ Mavericks League All-Star team.
Catcher – Angeddy Almanzar – Senators
The man behind the plate for the Senators has been absolutely crushing the ball this season. Almanzar’s seven home runs are more than double the next highest total in the league, and more than one team’s total. His 31 RBIs also leads the Mavericks League through eight weeks.
First Base – Matt Holiday – Volcanoes
Holiday has been a consistent contributor for the Volcanoes through the first half of the year. Batting .400 with an on-base percentage of .486, his three home runs are tied for second in the league, along with 22 RBIs and and 22 runs scored.
Second Base – Shoma Yoshido – Volcanoes
Yoshido leads all middle infielders in batting average at .385. The second baseman is on base consistently for the Volcanoes with a .443 on-base percentage and 20 runs scored, along with 16 RBIs and a home run on the season.
Shortstop – Garrett Kueber – Senators
Joining Yoshido in the middle infield, Kueber’s average is just a few points lower at .354, and he has a slightly higher OBP at .459. Kueber has also put up 22 runs scored and 19 RBIs so far.
Third Base – Victor Diaz – Mavericks
Diaz’s production from the hot corner is one of the reasons the Mavericks hold the league’s best record so far this season. Batting .347 with 15 runs scored and nine RBIs, Diaz leads his team in OBP at .438.
Left Field – Dylan Moser – Senators
Moser has consistently been on base and scoring for the Senators this season. Second in the league with 29 runs scored, Moser has an OBP of .447, as well as 16 RBIs.
Center Field – Juan Carlos Abreau – Volcanoes
One of the best all-around bats on the highest scoring team in the Mavericks League, Abreau has scored 32 runs, knocked in 16 more and has three home runs so far this season.
Right Field – Wilfre Favelo – Mavericks
Despite a few less at-bats than the rest of the outfield, Favelo has been an offensive spark for the Mavericks. He’s scored 19 runs despite an OBP below .400, and has 11 RBIs and a home run.
Designated Hitter – Edgar Vela – Senators
Vela has missed a few games, but when up he’s had the hottest bat in the Mavericks League. In 59 at-bats, Vela is hitting .458 with an OBP of .595, 14 runs and 12 RBIs.
Starting Pitcher – Matt McDonald – Volcanoes
The starting pitcher in the league with an unblemished record, McDonald’s five wins and 40 strikeouts lead the Mavericks League.
Relief Pitcher – John Over – Mavericks
In 13 appearances out of the bullpen Over has shut down opposing batters, allowing a microscopic 1.16 ERA over 23.1 innings pitched, 28 strikeouts, a 1-0 record and one save.
Closing Pitcher – Andrew Baxter – Campesinos
There may not be any official “closers” on a Mavericks League roster, but Baxter easily leads the league with three saves. Baxter has made eight appearances this season for the ‘Sinos, with a record of 1-1 and 20 strikeouts in 16.2 innings.